Ridgeland-Hardeeville High students charged in fight

Six juveniles and three adult-aged students were charged last week after a fight at Ridgeland-Hardeeville High, according to the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.

On Oct. 22, during dismissal, an altercation started near the buses and spilled into the cafeteria. Sheriff Greg Jenkins said based on interviews the fight was likely gang-related.

The six juveniles were taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia.

The charges range from simple assault and disorderly conduct to assault by a mob.

Jenkins said the investigation is ongoing, but it is believed the incident was premeditated.

"We know it was planned," Jenkins said. "It wasn't just that day; this started two weeks ago."

Jenkins said other charges are pending. He said his office received a call the following day about weapons possibly being on campus, but a search of the campus, including buses, found no weapons.

"We are not taking anything for granted," Jenkins said. "Our No. 1 job is public safety."

Jenkins said his office received a call from an officer needing assistance at about 3 p.m. Oct. 22.

The JCSO and Ridgeland Police Department responded. Jenkins said one student was punched in the face and another suffered a cut to his hand that required EMS attention. Six students had to be restrained by handcuffs and moved to the gymnasium.

"It makes your heart bleed," Jenkins said.

Jenkins said there were no serious injuries, but one deputy injured a knee and another hurt a hand. The injuries were minor.

No school district personnel were injured, according to the school district.

Jenkins said he doesn't know what exactly led to the fight, but based on statements from victims and other students he believes the incident was gang-related. He estimates the sheriff's office has identified at least four gangs in the county.

"These are known gangs, known throughout the country and known here in the county," Jenkins said. "Jasper County is not exempt from gangs; we are just not."

Last spring the county school board voted to have five school-resource officers. Additional officers were on campus Oct. 23 and 24. There were no classes Oct. 25.

"We are confident the schools are safe and we have officers on duty that will take care of anything that may arise," Jasper County School District spokesperson Shellie Murdaugh said. "We are taking every caution."

Jenkins said parents were concerned about safety at Oct. 25's home varsity football game.

Including the sheriff, the JCSO had seven officers at the game, patrolling the field and stands. There were no incidents at the game.

The Oct. 22 incident might have led to the game's small crowd, which included about 100 fans.

"There were parents who said we needed to be there; there's no doubt about it," Jenkins said.

Jenkins wants parents to be aware of possible gang activity. Some parents don't believe their child can be involved, but based on interviews with students, Jenkins believes parents aren't always aware.

"The parents say, 'That's not what (my child) told me,' " Jenkins said. "We say, 'Ma'am, we've got a statement that said this is what happened.' Parents need to be aware of what's going on."

The school district, in partnership with the JCSO, will hold a town hall meeting on school safety at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Ridgeland campus auditorium. Various law enforcement agencies will be present to answer questions and help the public learn more about laws that govern schools and school safety. Parents, students, faculty and the public are invited to attend.